ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gunmen have stormed the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, carting away firearms and other valuables in a late-night attack that has now triggered a police investigation.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the invasion of the Immigration facility, during which officers on duty were attacked and a service rifle was stolen.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night at about 10:00 pm at the Immigration office located along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway, close to an NNPC filling station and near the Ayanyan Cattle Market.
According to Punch, investigation revealed that the attackers struck while activities were still ongoing in the surrounding area before scaling the perimeter fence to gain access into the facility.
A source said the assailants took advantage of the late hour and the relatively quiet environment around the office to launch the attack.
“During the attack, officers on duty were reportedly overpowered and dispossessed of their firearms. The exact number of weapons taken could not be immediately confirmed,” the source said.
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The attackers were said to have fled the scene immediately after the operation, escaping under the cover of darkness through the same route they used to gain entry.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that a full investigation had been launched into the attack on the Immigration facility.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the assailants, numbering about five, gained access to the premises through the rear fence bordering a bushy area.
He explained that the officer in charge of the facility raised an alarm at about 8:45 pm following the invasion.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, immediate reinforcement comprising operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams was deployed to the scene for intervention and assessment of the situation,” Ayanlade said.
Findings from the preliminary investigation showed that the hoodlums attacked two Immigration officers on night duty, using sticks and other dangerous weapons before making away with a G3 rifle and ammunition assigned to the office.
The attackers were also said to have stolen a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the bush path.
“The injured officers have received necessary medical attention and are currently in stable condition,” the police spokesperson added.
He further stated that surveillance and tactical teams had intensified operations in the area, including combing nearby bushes and monitoring possible escape routes to track down the suspects.
According to him, intelligence assets and informants have also been activated to assist in gathering actionable information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, had directed all relevant operational and intelligence units to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.
The police also disclosed that a joint task team involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Immigration Service had been set up to improve coordination and aid ongoing investigations.
The Command assured residents of Ogbomoso and adjoining communities that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms and other items.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest security formation, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.